The Lances of Lynwood eBook

In the meantime, Sir Philip Ashton was, with many
polite speeches, entering upon the business of his
visit, which was to request Sir Reginald to admit
his son into his train as an Esquire. The Knight
of Lynwood, though not very desirous of this addition
to his followers, could not well refuse him, in consideration
of the alliance which had long subsisted between the
two houses; but he mentioned his own purpose of quitting
the Prince’s court as soon as the present expedition
should be concluded.

“That,” said Sir Philip, softly, “will
scarce be likely. Such Knights as Sir Reginald
Lynwood are not so easily allowed to hide themselves
in obscurity. The Prince of Wales knows too well
the value of his right-hand counsellor.”

“Nay, Sir Philip,” said Sir Reginald,
laughing, “that is rather too fine a term for
a rough soldier, who never was called into counsel
at all, except for the arraying a battle. It
would take far sharper wits than mine, or, indeed,
I suspect, than any that we have at Bordeaux, to meet
the wiles of Charles of France. No, unless the
Royal Banner be abroad in the field, you may look to
see me here before another year is out.”

“I shall hope it may be otherwise, for my boy’s
sake,” said Sir Philip. “But be
that as it may, his fame will be secured by his going
forth for the first time with such a leader as yourself.
The example and friendship of your brother will also
be of the utmost service. Your chief Squire
too—­so perfect in all chivalrous training,
and a foreigner—­who better could be found
to train a poor Somersetshire clown for the Prince’s
Gascon court?”

“Why, for that matter,” interrupted Sir
Reginald, whose patience would seldom serve his to
the end of one of his neighbour’s harangues,
“it may be honest to tell you that though Gaston
is a kindly-tempered fellow, and of right knightly
bearing, his life has been none of the most steady.
I took up with him a couple of years since, when
poor old Humfrey Harwood was slain at Auray, and I
knew not where to turn for a Squire. Save for
a few wild freaks now and then, he has done right
well, though I sometimes marvelled at his choosing
to endure my strict household. He obeys my orders,
and has made himself well liked by the men, and I
willingly trust Eustace with him, since the boy is
of a grave clerkly sort of turn, and under my own
eye; but it is for you to do as you will with your
son.”

“Is he of honourable birth?” asked Sir
Philip.

“At least he bears coat armour,” answered
Reginald. “His shield is gules,
a wolf passant, or, and I have heard
strange tales of his father, Beranger d’Aubricour,
the Black Wolf of the Pyrenees, as he was called,
one of the robber noblesse of the Navarrese border;
but I have little time for such matters, and they do
not dwell in my mind. If I find a man does his
duty in my service, I care not whence he comes, nor
what his forefathers may have been. I listen
to no such idle tales; but I thought it best to warn
you that I answer not for all the comrades your son
may find in my troop.”